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Can I get my 3 weeks of unpaid NY unemployment benefits after renewing my work permit?

I've been receiving NY unemployment benefits for a while, but my last 3 weeks of payments weren't deposited into my account. When I called (after trying for days), the representative told me it was because my work permit had expired. I just got my renewed work permit card yesterday. Has anyone been in this situation before? Will NYSDOL release those 3 weeks of payments now that I have a valid work permit again? Do I need to submit documentation or just call them? I'm really struggling financially right now and those 3 missing payments are making it hard to cover rent.

Tristan Carpenter

I think u can get them back payments but u gotta call and tell them you got the renewed card. my cousin had same thing last yr

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Maya Jackson

Did your cousin get the back payments? How long did it take after they called?

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Amaya Watson

Yes, you're entitled to those payments as long as you were eligible during those weeks (meaning you were actively seeking work and available to work). You'll need to submit proof of your renewed work permit through your online account. Go to your NY.gov ID account, select Unemployment Services, then 'Submit Documents' and upload a clear photo or scan of your renewed work permit card (both sides). Include your claim ID in the notes section. After uploading, call NYSDOL to have them review your case - make sure to mention the specific weeks that were unpaid.

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Maya Jackson

Thank you! I'll try uploading the documents today. Is there a specific category I should select when uploading?

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Amaya Watson

Select 'Work Authorization Documents' from the dropdown menu. If you don't see that specific option, choose 'Other' and clearly explain in the notes that this is your renewed work permit for backpayment release.

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Grant Vikers

Do u think they'll automatically pay me after I upload it or do I HAVE to call them?? I'm so worried... what if they deny me even with the new card? My permit was only expired for 3 weeks but I was still legally allowed to be here bc I had filed for renewal before expiration. The whole system is so confusing and the rules keep changing!!! 😩

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Giovanni Martello

You definitely need to call them after uploading the documents. The system doesn't automatically process these types of issues - a claims specialist needs to review your case and manually release the payments. When you call, explain that you maintained your legal status because you filed for renewal before the expiration (bring up the receipt number if you have it). That continuous legal status is important for them to know.

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Savannah Weiner

Had kinda the same problem but with my visa renewal. DOL held 5 weeks of payments for me. I uploaded docs and waited 3 weeks - nothing happened. Called like 30 times and couldn't get anyone. Finally used Claimyr.com to get through to an agent (they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE). Got an agent in 25 mins who processed all my backpay on the spot. Worth it for me cause I was missing over $1500 in benefits.

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Grant Vikers

Just looked at their site - does it really work? I've been trying to call for DAYS 😭

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Savannah Weiner

Worked for me! Got through to someone who actually knew what they were doing and fixed my claim while I was on the phone. Had my payments like 2 days later.

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Levi Parker

I HATE how they just stop paying you without any clear notification!!! This happened to me too but with driver's license expiration. The WHOLE STUPID SYSTEM is designed to make us give up! They KNOW most people won't be able to get through on the phone so they just hold our money hostage and hope we'll go away!!!!

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Libby Hassan

Yeah they should at least tell u whats wrong instead of just stopping payments

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Levi Parker

EXACTLY! There's no excuse for not sending an email or message in the system saying 'Your payments are on hold because of X'. It's 2025 for crying out loud!!!

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Giovanni Martello

You absolutely can get those payments. Under NY unemployment regulations, if you correct the issue that caused payment suspension (in this case, your work permit expiration), you're entitled to receive any back benefits for weeks you were otherwise eligible. The key is documenting your renewed work authorization and having a claims specialist process the release of funds. Here's what you should do: 1. Upload both sides of your renewed work permit through your online portal 2. Include your receipt showing you applied for renewal before expiration if possible 3. Call the NYSDOL at 888-209-8124 to speak with a claims specialist 4. Be specific about which weeks were unpaid (have dates ready) 5. Request that they process the release of your back payments If the first agent isn't helpful, politely ask to speak with a supervisor who handles work authorization issues. They should be able to resolve this fairly quickly once they have your documentation.

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Maya Jackson

Thank you for the detailed steps! I'm going to try this tomorrow morning. I do have the receipt showing I applied before expiration so I'll upload that too. I appreciate everyone's help so much.

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Tristan Carpenter

btw make sure u still do ur weekly certifications even tho u not getting paid or they might say u abandoned ur claim

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Maya Jackson

Oh! I didn't even think of that. I did continue certifying even though nothing was coming through. Thanks for the reminder.

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Libby Hassan

My sister got 6 weeks backpay after her citizenship papers got processed but it took like 2 months to get the money so don't expect it super fast

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Grant Vikers

2 MONTHS??? I can't wait that long! My rent is due next week! 😱

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Giovanni Martello

Once you get through to a claims specialist and they process your documents, payments are typically released within 3-5 business days. However, there is a backlog currently, so some claims are taking 7-10 business days to process. If you're facing immediate financial hardship, be sure to mention this to the claims specialist - they can sometimes flag accounts for expedited processing in hardship cases. Also make sure to check for any action items in your online account daily, as sometimes they request additional verification.

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Maya Jackson

Thank you for that timeline. I'll definitely mention my financial situation when I call. I've been checking my account obsessively anyway, so I'll keep an eye out for any requests.

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